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Hawaii Battles Third Major Storm as Oceans Warm
25 Sep
Summary
- Hawaii faces its third major tropical storm with Hurricane Nolo.
- Unusually warm ocean temperatures fuel more severe Pacific storms.
- El Niño phenomenon exacerbates storm intensity and trajectory.
The Hawaiian Islands are confronting an unusual barrage of severe weather, with Hurricane Nolo posing the latest threat. This follows Hurricanes Lala and Lowell, which caused significant damage including flooded homes and downed power lines in recent months. While Hawaii typically avoids direct hurricane hits due to its remote location and cooler surrounding waters, this year's storm season has been exceptionally active.
The current situation is largely driven by record-warm sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, amplified by the El Niño climate phenomenon. El Niño typically enhances storm development in the Pacific and has caused storms to form in more southerly and westerly locations, increasing their potential to reach the islands. This phenomenon also tends to extend the storm season into September and October.
Compounding these effects is the overarching impact of climate change. The excess heat absorbed by the oceans due to heat-trapping pollutants is intensifying storm energy. Scientists warn that this could lead to unprecedented precipitation and extreme weather events. As a result, storms may carry more moisture and produce stronger winds, presenting a heightened risk to the islands. The hurricane season is not yet over, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
